1. The Accident Season and Spellbook of the Lost and Found - Moira Fowley-Doyle
What's that? My first recommendation is a two-fer?! That's right...I continue to not be able to make up my mind. These are both somewhat supernatural stories set in Ireland, and not only does listening to them on audio a. give you the proper accent and cadence for anyone not familiar with Irish accents, but b. especially for Spellbook, I found it really helped me get to know the characters. If you're only going to listen to one, make it Accident Season, but I mean...why would you only listen to one?
2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Saenz
I've included this in other lists and reviewed it, so hopefully I don't need to get super in-depth with selling this one. Let me just say, in case you haven't read any of that that this is read by Lin Manuel Miranda. Fucking LIN MANUEL MIRANDA, friends! It's a magical experience, truly.
3. Carry On - Rainbow Rowell
Worth listening to just to hear Baz get frustrated with Simon over and over and snark, "Crowley, Snow."
4. The Cruel Prince - Holly Black
Gaaaaaaaasp! A book I actually haven't recommended yet? That's right! This is the first in a trilogy about a mortal girl and her twin sister who are both raised in the land of Faerie after their parents are murdered by a Red Cap who turns out to be the father of their older sister. Mortals aren't exactly held in high esteem in Fairie, but Jude isn't content to be stepped on all her life. She wants a place on the high court, and before long, she'll discover just how much she'll have to sacrifice to get it.
5. Everything, Everything - Nicola Yoon
I went back and forth about whether to recommend this or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Not only are both books amazing, but they're read by Bahni Turpin, who is one of my favorite narrators! Honestly, you could listen to anything read by her and enjoy it. She does an amazing job.
6. The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman
Not only is this series a classic, my doggo is named after the main character, so...do you even need more reason to listen to it? You do? How about the fact that it's read with a full cast? Each character is voiced by their own narrator, and oh. my. god. Iorek Byrnison is incredible.
7. Half Bad - Sally Green
Have the tissues ready for this trilogy! This is another audiobook where hearing distinct character voices really makes the story. Nathan and Gabriel in particular, just...they have my heart forever. This series is intense and emotional, and I will admit that the first book got off to a bit of a slow start for me, but from there...roller coaster. It's very worth it.
8. How to Save a Life - Sara Zarr
It's been about four years since I listened to this one, and I still think about it sometimes. How to Save a Life is a story about grief, coping, and what makes a family. It's a poignant story, and the narrator is great.
9. The Illuminae Files - Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I talk about these a lot, I know. This is one of my favorite series in existence, and listening to the audio is truly like listening to a movie. Such a theatrical experience. Amazing narrators, incredible action, and just...everything about it is so good.
10. Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds
Will's older brother, Shawn, was just murdered, and this book follows Will on his elevator trip down to go after his brother's killer and get revenge. Jason Reynolds is a genius, and everything he writes is incredible, but if you need more reason to listen to this, he also narrated this story, and his reading is...whew. It will give you chills.
11. Love from A to Z - S.K. Ali
Zayneb and Adam both have a lot going on when they meet on a flight, but they find themselves drawn to each other. Maybe it's that they both keep a journal. Maybe it's that, inspired by a piece of art, those journals both track the marvels and oddities they encounter in life. Whatever it is, Zayneb and Adam are drawn to each other, even when they worry that it might not be a good idea. There are some heavy things in this book, but though serious at times, it's a very heartwarming listen.
12. The Nerdy and the Dirty - B.T. Gottfred
Oh my god, you guys. This book is simultaneously the most awkward and hilarious book I have ever read. Benedict Pendleton is a genius destined for great things who, inexplicably, finds himself struggling to get a girlfriend. Pen Lupo has a boyfriend but finds herself tiring of constantly pretending to be someone she isn't to please him, her family, and her friends. NSFW warning: If frank discussion of sex is not for you, maybe pass on this one.But if you're ok with that, give this audiobook a shot. It's incredible.
13. Someday, Someday, Maybe - Lauren Graham
Written by Lauren Graham, read by Lauren Graham...that was reason enough for me to give it a listen. It's a witty, entertaining story about a struggling actress with six months left on her self-imposed time limit for making it big or giving up going back home to teach.
14. Track series - Jason Reynolds
Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu. Four team members on a middle school track team, leaning on each other for support in running and in life. This series is fantastic, and it is read by Jason Reynold's best friend growing up, Guy Lockard. He does an amazing job, particularly with Sunny, who is my favorite character.
15. The Witchlands - Susan Dennard
Ahhhhh, Susan Dennard! If you haven't read any of her books, my god, what are you waiting for? Susan is amazing - so amazing that she actually did a choose-your-own adventure Twitter story based on one of her manuscripts, which lasted for about six months and was one of the greatest reading experiences I've ever had. The Witchlands world is so rich and complex that it's hard for me to sum up what to expect out of the series in a short little paragraph, but do yourselves a favor and listen to these! The narrators are fantastic (Sightwitch is read by Bahni Turpin, COME ON!), the world is incredible, and it's adventure from the first page to the last.
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